I have not found evidence to support this hypothesis. Unless you are grossly and spectacularly insensitive, I do not see a plausible mechanism by which simply starting a conversation could have "lifelong negative effects".
There is reasonably strong evidence to suggest that social connectedness has a substantial protective effect on suicide risk. Just asking "Hey, how are you?" and making time to listen can make a meaningful difference to someone in distress.
What is the point of this comment? Are you really disputing the idea that small acts of connection are meaningful (especially to lonely people)? This idea seems very noncontroversial to me.
There is reasonably strong evidence to suggest that social connectedness has a substantial protective effect on suicide risk. Just asking "Hey, how are you?" and making time to listen can make a meaningful difference to someone in distress.
https://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/Suicide_Strategic...